Quote by Thomas Jefferson
The care of human life and happiness, and their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of a good government.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the fundamental purpose of a just government: to prioritize the protection and well-being of its citizens. A good government should focus primarily on ensuring the preservation and promotion of human life and happiness. This involves safeguarding the rights, welfare, and security of individuals within society. Conversely, the quote also asserts that the destruction of human life and happiness is antithetical to the purpose of a good government, indicating that actions or policies leading to harm, oppression, or unhappiness should not be the objectives of a just governing authority.